Is Hershey'S Cocoa Powder Gluten Free?

Yes, Hershey’s cocoa powder is gluten-free as it’s made purely from roasted and ground cacao beans without any gluten-containing additives. The company confirms this on their website, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is Hershey'S Cocoa Powder Gluten Free?

Health Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals
  • Contains flavonoids that support heart health
  • May help lower blood pressure
  • Improves blood flow to the brain
  • Contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc
  • May enhance mood and reduce stress
  • Can help reduce inflammation
  • Supports immune system function
  • May improve insulin sensitivity
  • Contains fiber for digestive health
  • Helps maintain healthy skin
  • May reduce risk of certain cancers

Who Should Avoid

  • Diabetics
  • People with chocolate allergies
  • Those with caffeine sensitivity
  • Individuals with acid reflux
  • People with migraines triggered by chocolate
  • Those with kidney stones
  • Individuals with anxiety disorders
  • People with sleep disorders
  • Those on certain medications that interact with caffeine
  • Individuals with IBS
  • People with lactose intolerance
  • Those with phenylethylamine sensitivity

Gluten Free Alternatives

  • Carob Powder - Derived from the pods of carob trees, naturally sweet with a chocolate-like flavor, caffeine-free, and rich in antioxidants
  • Raw Cacao Powder - Minimally processed, made from cold-pressed cacao beans, higher in nutrients and antioxidants compared to traditional cocoa powder, with a more intense chocolate flavor
  • Organic Cocoa Powder - Similar to Hershey's but sourced from organic, non-GMO cocoa beans, typically darker and more robust in flavor with no additional additives
  • Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder - Alkalized to reduce acidity, smoother and milder taste, darker color, and dissolves more easily in liquids
  • Vegan Cocoa Powder - Made from 100% plant-based sources, often organic, with no dairy or animal products, typically lower in fat and processed without chemicals

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hershey's Cocoa Powder certified gluten-free?

Hershey’s Cocoa Powder is not certified gluten-free but is naturally gluten-free and processed in a facility that does not handle gluten-containing ingredients.

Does the cocoa powder get processed on equipment that also processes wheat products?

Yes, our cocoa powder is processed in a facility that also handles wheat products. We cannot guarantee it is gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination.

Has Hershey's Cocoa Powder ever contained gluten-containing additives?

No, Hershey’s Cocoa Powder has always been pure cocoa with no additives or fillers.

Is there a risk of cross-contamination with gluten in their manufacturing facility?

Yes, our products are manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients. We cannot guarantee products are 100% gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination.

Does the "natural flavor" listed in the ingredients contain any hidden sources of gluten?

Natural flavors can potentially contain gluten-derived ingredients, so unless the product is certified gluten-free, it’s safest to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm. The source of natural flavors varies widely between products and manufacturers.
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Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen specializes in orthomolecular therapy and nutritional coaching. With a background in public health research and management, she focuses on addressing health concerns through dietary approaches, gut health optimization, and stress reduction strategies. As Glutenfreeda's professional editor, she reviews all content to ensure accuracy, safety, and alignment with current nutritional science.

We Try Our Best

We understand how important it is to have trustworthy information when managing a gluten-free lifestyle, which is why we carefully source all our content from respected health and nutrition experts. You can find these trusted references listed below: 

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  2. Coeliac UK

  3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

  4. Mayo Clinic

  5. World Health Organization (WHO)

  6. Celiac Disease Foundation

While we’re committed to sharing the most accurate and helpful gluten-free guidance possible, we’re human and sometimes things slip through the cracks.

If something doesn’t look quite right to you or if you have any questions, we’d genuinely appreciate you contacting us. It helps us keep improving and ensures everyone gets the reliable information they deserve.

The information on this site is for educational purposes only and doesn’t replace professional medical advice. If you suspect gluten sensitivity, consult with a healthcare provider before changing your diet.